Dhaka: The nationwide month-long "Typhoid Vaccination Campaign-2025" commenced today, aiming to provide the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) free of charge to over five crore children across Bangladesh. The government plans to administer the vaccine to children from pre-primary to class nine at schools and community-level EPI centres until November 13.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, parents or guardians are required to register online by submitting their child's birth registration details at vaxepi.gov.bd to receive the vaccine. During the inauguration ceremony at Maple Leaf International School in Dhanmondi, the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Dr Md Abu Jafor emphasized the ease of registering via the website using the 17-digit birth registration number. He assured that those without birth certificates will have separate arrangements to ensure vaccination.
Professor Jafor highlighted that since 1979, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) under the DGHS has been working to reduce deaths and disabilities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Annually, around 42 lakh children are vaccinated against life-threatening diseases, saving nearly one lakh child lives.
Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is one of the most severe vaccine-preventable diseases in Bangladesh. The country has one of the highest prevalence rates of typhoid, which spreads through contaminated water, food, and poor hygiene. Children between nine months and 15 years are particularly vulnerable. A 2021 study revealed that approximately 8,000 people died of typhoid in Bangladesh, with about 6,000 being children under 15.
Professor Jafor noted the global health concern over drug-resistant typhoid, as many antibiotics are becoming ineffective. He stressed that vaccination could significantly reduce infection rates and the unnecessary use of antibiotics. The TCV is a safe and effective vaccine, tested and approved by the World Health Organization, containing both protein and sugar components for long-lasting immunity.
He cited successful introductions of the vaccine in countries like Pakistan and Nepal, which have led to long-term immunity and reduced drug-resistant typhoid cases. Minor post-vaccination reactions such as redness or mild fever may occur but subside naturally. The DG clarified that the vaccine is halal, certified by the Saudi Arabia Halal Center.
Professor Jafor concluded by stating that vaccination efforts have helped Bangladesh eradicate polio, control hepatitis B, measles, and rubella, and eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. He expressed optimism that typhoid can similarly be controlled and eradicated through continued vaccination efforts.